Dress Protector

ABSTRACT

A protective garment having a top portion defining a waistband, material depending therefrom, and a lower portion. At least one tab is affixed to the protective garment proximate the lower portion. The tab is an elongate strip having a first end portion, a second end portion folded over and affixed to the first end portion, and having a pull portion defined by the portion of the tab depending from the protective garment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/131,269 filed Mar. 11, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to protective garments that protect outerwear, and more particularly to train protectors for elongated dresses.

Keeping long dresses out of contact with the ground is a long-standing problem. Although using long dresses in relatively clean locations is usually acceptable, there are times when wearers are in locations where keeping the dress clean are more difficult. This is especially true when long dresses are worn outdoors. The problem of keeping the lower portion of a dress clean is particularly difficult with a wedding dress having a long train.

Brides often wear their dresses in dirt prone locations to take pictures. Many brides wish to have pictures taken in their wedding dresses outside of buildings. For example, many brides have pictures taken on a beach. While the dress can be carefully placed for the picture so as to minimize transfer of dirt to the dress, the bride often has to move to different locations between shots. This might include moving from a vehicle to the photo shoot location, moving between shots to different areas, and returning to the vehicle. During these times, the bride must either let the dress and train touch and drag the ground or have attendants to lift the dress and walk with the bride. Letting the dress drag the ground soils the garment. Lifting the dress can be cumbersome as dresses lack proper places to hold the dress. Additionally, several people are needed to lift the dress, and holding the bunched up dress is often cumbersome for those assisting the bride.

Past manners of protecting dresses have included different types of string-pull systems designed in long dresses that essentially raise or lower the dress. When actuated, the dress bunches up. Other methods include impervious cloth or material bands that attach to and around the outer portions of a dress. These portions may become soiled but are easily cleaned while the dress underneath stays clean. Yet other methods include impervious garments that fully surround the dress while in dirty environments. These are then removed when the wearer is in an environment unlikely to soil the dress.

What is needed is a means to easily raise a long dress and train, especially wedding dresses, for short periods of time to allow a bride or other long-dress wearer to move about without soiling a dress with minimal assistance.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to device and methods for protecting an outer garment of a user, such as a long dress. The devices and methods are particularly relevant to protecting the end of a long dress as it is worn by the user.

One embodiment is directed to a protective garment configured to protect an outer garment that is worn by a user. The protective garment includes a tubular body sized to be worn around a user and underneath the dress with the body having a top portion and a bottom portion. The protective garment also includes tabs connected to the body at the bottom portion with each of the tabs constructed from an elongated strip with opposing first and second ends that are each connected to the body with an intermediate portion between the ends being free and positioned away from the body. The protective garment also includes the body being constructed of flexible material and movable between a first position with the bottom portion and the tabs positioned away from the top portion of the body and a second position with the tabs raise upward in proximity to the top portion and the material between the top portion and the lower portion define a radial trough retention cavity enveloping at least a portion of the outer garment.

The top portion may also include a waistband and the lower portion may include a hem.

The second end of the elongated strip of each tab may be folded over onto the first end and define a loop.

Each of the tabs may be removably affixed to the body.

At least one of the tabs may include a slit that extends through the body proximate the lower portion and a pull portion positioned between the slit and the lower portion.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of protecting an outer garment that is being worn by a user. The method includes positioning a protective garment underneath the outer garment with a waistband of the protective garment positioned in proximity to the user's waist and a lower portion of the waistband position in proximity to a bottom of the outer garment. The method also includes positioning tabs that are attached to the outer side of the protective garment underneath the outer garment and in proximity to the bottom of the outer garment. The method includes positioning the protective garment in a first position that is completely underneath the outer garment. The method includes lifting the tabs towards the waistband and positioning the protective garment in a second position and forming a retention cavity around the user. The method also includes positioning the lower end of the outer garment into the retention cavity.

The method may also include positioning a first one of the tabs on a first lateral side of the user and positioning a second one of the tabs on a second lateral side of the user.

The method may also include positioning the protective garment on the user prior to outer garment.

Another embodiment is directed to a method of protecting an outer garment that is being worn by a user. The method includes positioning a protective garment underneath the outer garment with the protective garment having a tubular shape with a top portion and a bottom portion. The method includes positioning the bottom portion of the protective garment in proximity to a bottom edge of the outer garment. The method includes positioning the protective garment in a first position that is completely underneath the outer garment. The method includes positioning the protective garment in a second position by grasping tabs that are on the protective garment and lifting the bottom portion upward towards the top portion. The method includes forming a retention cavity with the protective garment around the user with the bottom portion of the outer garment forming an upper edge of the retention cavity. The method also includes positioning the lower end of the outer garment into the retention cavity.

The method may also include positioning the top portion of the protective garment at a waist of the outer garment.

The method may include positioning tabs on the outer garment in proximity to the bottom of the outer garment.

The method may include positioning the tabs above the bottom portion of the protective garment in the second position.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a garment protector as practiced in the current invention.

FIG. 2 is a pattern view of a single panel construction before the seam edge is sewn.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a tab as practiced in the current invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a tab as practiced in the current invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternate tab as practiced in the current invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternate tab as practiced in the current invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternate tab comprising a slit as practiced in the current invention.

FIG. 8 is a broken view of a garment protector shown in use under a garment.

FIG. 9 is a view of a garment protector as practiced in the current invention in a raised position enveloping a dress.

FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of a garment protector as practiced in the present invention in a slightly raised position.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternate tab embodiment utilizing a cord.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an alternate tab embodiment utilizing a cord.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, FIG. 1 depicts a garment protector 10 adapted to protect a long dress and train while moving about. The garment protector 10 includes a top portion 25 adapted to fit around a wearer's waist or thigh region when in use. In an alternate embodiment, the top portion 25 may be adapted to fit around the wearer's knees such that less material is used further facilitating donning or removing the garment protector 10 or creating less bulk for the wearer. Material 30 depends from the top portion 25. The material 30 drapes down towards the ground and wearer's feet during normal wear. A lower portion 35 is opposite the top portion 25 and defines the bottom part of the garment protector 10. The garment protector 10 is designed with a larger lower portion diameter than the top portion diameter. The top portion 25 is preferably constructed to form a waistband 40 by utilizing a top of the material 40 that is folded back and over onto the material's inner surface forming a hem into which an elastic band, drawstring, or other fit-adjusting means may be inserted to ensure a snug but comfortable fit during use. The lower portion 35 is also folded over onto itself to form a lower hem 50 to prevent snags or rips from forming in the material 30.

The garment protector 10 may be constructed as shown in FIG. 2 of one panel 55 having an outer arcuate edge defining the lower portion 35, and inner arcuate edge defining the top portion 25. The outer edge has an outer radius and the inner edge has an inner radius with both arc's being preferably coaxial. Alternatively, the panel 55 may be described as an annulus shape having a quadrant with a predetermined arc length removed therefrom. In lieu of one panel 55, multiple panels may be sewn or otherwise affixed together to form the overall arcuate shape. A first seam edge 65 and opposite second seam edge 70 extend radially and may be sewn or otherwise affixed together.

The protective garment 10 further includes one or more tabs 75 affixed proximate the lower portion 35. As depicted in FIG. 3-4, each of the tabs 75 includes an elongated strip 80 having a first end portion 85 and an opposite second end portion 90. The strip 80 is preferably folded shortwise in this embodiment so that the second end portion 90 is adjacent the first end portion 85. The first end portion 85 and second end portion 90 are preferably affixed together forming a tab hem 95, preferably by sewing. The first end portion 85 and second end portion 90 may also be affixed together using other suitable affixing means such as adhesives. When affixed in this manner, the folded strip 80 defines a hoop 97 and forms the tab 75. The tab hem 95 is preferably affixed to the garment protector outer surface so that the tab 75 hangs loosely down in a somewhat teardrop or possibly flattened-oval shape. The outer part of the tab 75 that hangs down provides a pull portion that is easily grasped. The protective garment 10 preferably has a plurality of tabs 75 affixed in predetermined positions proximate the lower portion 35. These positions are preferably along the same horizontal plane. The tabs 75 may be spaced apart symmetrically about the lower portion 35. For example, if four tabs 75 are used, a tab 75 could be positioned at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° about the protective garment's transverse axis adjacent or proximate the lower portion 35. A greater or lesser number of tabs 75 could also be used. Tabs 75 could be placed in equidistant arrangement about the lower portion 35, or they could be placed in non-symmetric intervals. The tab 75 is preferably of the same material as the protective garment 10. However, any other suitable material may be used. By way of example, plastic or rubberized tabs could be used, or a different type of textile.

Alternatively, the first end portion 85 may be affixed onto the protective garment 10 while the second end portion 90 is affixed in a spaced apart relation from the first end portion 85 as shown in FIG. 5-6. In this arrangement, the strip 80 may be oriented in a manner of ways. The free portion of the tab 75 between the first end portion 85 and the second end portion 90 defines the pull portion 100. Alternate embodiments may also provide a suitable tab 75, including an elongated slit or hole formed or cut into the protective garment 10 adjacent the lower portion 35 as shown in FIG. 7. If this method is utilized, the portion of material 30 positioned between the slit 105 and the lower portion 35 defines the pull portion 100 of the tab 75. The portion of material 30 adjacent the slit 105 is preferably reinforced with a slit hem 110 to prevent running or tearing of the material 30 adjacent the slit 105. Other embodiments may include removable tabs 75. Tabs 75 could be removably affixed to the protective garment 10 with a variety of removable affixing means including hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, and the like. Removable tabs 75 could be constructed similar to those that are otherwise affixed to the protective garment 10. However, instead of sewing or permanently affixing the tab 75 to the protective garment 10 by sewing, adhesion, bonding or other affixing means, a first one of a hook and loop fastener may be affixed to a predetermined location adjacent the lower portion 35 of the protective garment 10. A cooperative second one of a hook and loop fastener is affixed to the tab 75. This arrangement allows the tab 75 to be removably affixed to the protective garment 10 during use but removed when not in use.

In yet another embodiment, the tab 75 may be an elongate cord or flexible rope 115 having a first end portion and a second end portion as shown in FIG. 11-12. The intermediate portion of the cord between the first end portion and the second end portion defines the pull portion 100. The first end portion is preferably affixed to the protective garment 10. However, any portion of the cord 115 may be affixed to the protective garment 10 so that the unattached portion depends from the protective garment 10. The first end portion and the second end portion of the cord 115 may also be connected to each other, forming a hoop. In this arrangement a portion of the cord 115 is also affixed to the protective garment 10 while the outer part of the hoop distal from the portion affixed to the protective garment 10 defines the pull portion 100. In yet another embodiment, the tabs 75 may be affixed to the inner surface of the protective garment 10.

In use, the protective garment 10 is preferably worn under a dress 15 that the wearer desires to protect from scuffing or excess soiling as depicted in FIG. 8. The top portion or waistband 40 adapts to fit around the waist or upper thigh region. Alternately, the top portion may fit around the knee. The lower portion 35 drapes down towards one's feet. In this first position, the protective garment 10 is not visible and is covered by the dress 15. When the wearer desires to move about in an environment that could soil the dress, such as a sandy beach, the wearer or those around her can reach under the dress 15, grasp the pull portion of each tab 75, and pull the tabs 75 upwardly and outwardly to a second position. When the tabs 75 are pulled in this manner, the protective garment 10 extends somewhat outwardly and upward, enveloping the outer dress 15 as shown in FIG. 9-10. The protective garment material 30 between the waistband 40 and the lower portion 35 defines a trough-shaped retention cavity 120 surrounding the wearer when the tabs 75 are raised in line with the wearer's knees or lower thigh. This raised position allows the wearer to move about easily without dragging the dress 15 or train along dirty areas.

The protective garment 10 also makes the task of lifting a bulky and long dress 15 easier for those assisting the wearer since they do not need to try to hold large bulks or dress fabric in their arms. Instead, they simply grasp the tab 75 and pull upwardly Excess dress material 30 is easily placed within the retention area. The garment protector 10 is especially useful for brides since they often wish to take pictures outside in picturesque locations such as a beach. Using the garment protector 10, the bride's attendants can easily assist the bride in moving from her car or cottage to the beach or photo shoot location. The dress 15 is easily lowered for photos, and easily raised and protected while moving to different locations or between poses.

As has been demonstrated, the present application provides a device and means of protecting an outer garment or dress from soiling. The protective garment 10 is worn under the dress or garment to be protected. Previous devices do not include tabs affixed thereto for ease in lifting or raising a protective garment from a first position underneath an outer garment to a second position enveloping and protecting a portion of the outer garment.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective garment configured to protect an outer garment that is worn by a user, the protective garment comprising: a tubular body sized to be worn around a user and underneath the dress, the body having a top portion and a bottom portion; a plurality of tabs connected to the body at the bottom portion, each of the tabs constructed from an elongated strip with opposing first and second ends that are each connected to the body with an intermediate portion between the ends being free and positioned away from the body; the body being constructed of flexible material and movable between a first position with the bottom portion and the tabs positioned away from the top portion of the body and a second position with the tabs raise upward in proximity to the top portion and the material between the top portion and the lower portion define a radial trough retention cavity enveloping at least a portion of the outer garment.
 2. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the top portion further comprises a waistband and the lower portion further comprises a hem.
 3. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein the second end of the elongated strip of each tab is folded over onto the first end and defines a loop.
 4. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein each of the tabs is removably affixed to the body.
 5. The protective garment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the tabs comprises a slit that extends through the body proximate the lower portion and a pull portion positioned between the slit and the lower portion.
 6. A method of protecting an outer garment that is being worn by a user, the method comprising: positioning a protective garment underneath the outer garment with a waistband of the protective garment positioned in proximity to the user's waist and a lower portion of the waistband position in proximity to a bottom of the outer garment; positioning tabs that are attached to the outer side of the protective garment underneath the outer garment and in proximity to the bottom of the outer garment; positioning the protective garment in a first position that is completely underneath the outer garment; lifting the tabs towards the waistband and positioning the protective garment in a second position and forming a retention cavity around the user; and positioning the lower end of the outer garment into the retention cavity.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising positioning a first one of the tabs on a first lateral side of the user and positioning a second one of the tabs on a second lateral side of the user.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising positioning the protective garment on the user prior to the outer garment.
 9. A method of protecting an outer garment that is being worn by a user, the method comprising: positioning a protective garment underneath the outer garment, the protective garment having a tubular shape with a top portion and a bottom portion; positioning the bottom portion of the protective garment in proximity to a bottom edge of the outer garment; positioning the protective garment in a first position that is completely underneath the outer garment; positioning the protective garment in a second position by grasping tabs that are on the protective garment and lifting the bottom portion upward towards the top portion; forming a retention cavity with the protective garment around the user with the bottom portion of the outer garment forming an upper edge of the retention cavity; and positioning the lower end of the outer garment into the retention cavity.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising positioning the top portion of the protective garment at a waist of the outer garment.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising positioning tabs on the outer garment in proximity to the bottom of the outer garment.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising positioning the tabs above the bottom portion of the protective garment in the second position. 